(Hunan — May 16, 2025) Christian Chen Wensheng from Hengyang, Hunan, has long been preaching the gospel in streets and alleys, a practice that drew the suppression of local government authorities.
Background of Chen Wensheng and the gathering place he leads
In August 2023, Hunan authorities sentenced him to one year and seven months in prison for the charge of “organizing and funding illegal gatherings.” This “servant who simply loves the Lord” was released on April 2, 2025. Recently, new updates have emerged regarding his situation after his release from prison.
According to information published by the Chinese house church prayer platform “Kingdom Prayer Meeting” on the 12th, the gathering place Chen Wensheng attends was disrupted during a regular Sunday worship service by personnel from the local community, police station, ethnic and religious affairs bureau, and state security. Despite the presence of multiple personnel from different departments, the members demonstrated remarkable composure and courage, and the service was able to continue with singing, praise, and worship.
Response and reaction after the disruption
One participant expressed deep gratitude:
“Thank God, this morning’s gathering attracted personnel from the community, police station, ethnic and religious bureau, and state security to ‘listen’ to us talk about Jesus. Thank God we were still able to sing, praise, and worship as usual.”
The house church that was disrupted viewed it as an opportunity to share the gospel with government personnel.
The “Kingdom Prayer Meeting” also shared a touching detail: a newlywed couple, drawn by the gathering place’s reputation, attended the gathering that day. They stayed to pray with the congregation before leaving, adding a touch of the exploration and seeking to this special gathering they had.
After the gathering, members shared their thoughts. One Christian reflected that while Christians opening their homes for worship may face risk, they are able to overcome it because of the presence of the Lord. This individual prayed that God would help them spread the gospel and be victorious.
The prayer platform praised Chen Wensheng as a “servant who simply loves the Lord,” stating that his life testifies to the power of the gospel and has deeply inspired many Christians. The platform prayed for the Lord to continue strengthening and guiding this faithful servant so he might continue to boldly be a testimony for the Kingdom of God, remain humble before the Lord, recognize and defeat the schemes of the enemy, and dwell in God’s love always and rely on the Lord’s mercy.
Local Christians saw the disruption of this gathering as a unique experience in the practice of their faith. It vividly illustrated how faith is spread under different circumstances and demonstrated the resilience and wisdom of Christians under pressure.
Chen Wensheng’s testimony and experience
A lesser-known story to many is that Chen Wensheng was once addicted to drugs for over ten years. He first heard the gospel in a rehabilitation center, and his life was completely transformed. By faith, he broke free from the bondage of addiction and thereafter fully devoted himself to spreading the gospel. He used to carry a cross with the words “Glory to the Savior” and “Repent, Believe, Be Saved.” He has walked countless streets and alleys, even as far as Tibet and abroad. For this, he has been subjected to detainment multiple times, and his family has also been implicated.
In late August 2023, he was prevented from leaving the country, subsequently placed under administrative detention, and ultimately formally arrested. On the day of his release, April 2 this year, he immediately returned to the streets with his wife to preach the gospel and continue his gospel mission.
Chen Wensheng continues to endure pressure from local Chinese authorities due to his evangelism. After his release, his constitutionally protected right to religious freedom as a citizen still faces serious challenges. This case starkly illustrates how, in China, public practice and the space for the sharing of personal religious beliefs are subject to significant restrictions. Individuals who do so may even face unpredictable constraints and legal risks, highlighting the fragile state of religious freedom.
(Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai of ChinaAid)
